All Christians who participate in Communion in their faith traditions are welcome to receive Communion (Eucharist). At Holy Family, communion is provided as bread baked by congregation members as well as real wine. A gluten-free alternative is available. Visitors are welcome to come forward for a blessing at Communion time if you would prefer that instead. Simply indicate this by crossing your arms across your chest.

For most Episcopalians the celebration of Holy Eucharist is “the principal act of Christian worship on the Lord’s Day.” (Book of Common Prayer, p. 13) This service of both Word and Sacrament is intended to be a comprehensive service of Sunday worship.

The Holy Eucharist, the Prayer Book says, “is the sacrament commanded by Christ for the continual remembrance of his life, death, and resurrection, until his coming again.” It is also the entire service in which the word of God is proclaimed in the Gospel, in the other readings from Scripture, and in the sermon. Each week there are readings from the Old Testament, the Epistles, and the Gospels. Psalms are read or sung, and a sermon is presented. Prayers are said for the Church and the world, and members God’s forgiveness for their sins. Finally, the peace of Christ is exchanged through handshakes and hugs, and the service continues with the sacramental service of Holy Communion.

Rite II is one of two main options offered in the Book of Common Prayer for the celebration of Holy Eucharist. In both language and tone, Rite II is the more contemporary celebration.